March 3, 2011

Psalm 47 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 22:1-14, Romans 2:1-11, Numbers 5-6

Journal Entry

Scripture

For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared,
a great king over all the earth.
He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

Observation

As I read through the Psalms, I see the nearness of God expressed through the words of David and other poets. God is familiar in everyday experiences. He is King over all the earth and yet, He fights for me. He brings me victory. But God is more than just the King over the earth. He is more than victor over the nations. He alone is God and there is none other like Him. No words, no painting, no description can contain Him. Yet, He is not far from me. I can worship Him in the context of my own existence, though insignificant, though I am smaller than a point in comparison, praise from my lips and life is welcomed to His ears.

Application

During most days, God is a distant concept in my life. I do not have the heart of the psalmist who knows how to cry out to God. There is no confident reaching out to his throne, to offer up praise, to seek consolation, to give thanks. I will walk today with a heightened knowledge of his holiness that is very near and very real.

Prayer

Give sight to replace my blindness, so that I will utter praise and thanksgiving with joy. Help me to respond to your nearness.

--JHH